This week, the CSB/SJU Theater Department was proud to present “The Christmas House,” an original play written by theater professor Kaarin Johnston. The world premiere was last night, Nov. 10, in the BAC Gorecki Family Theatre, and it will run through Nov. 19.
The story of the play focuses on a middle-class American family whose Christmas season is interrupted by the arrival of some of the world’s classic Christmas characters who teach them about the true meaning of Christmas. Though not your typical Christmas story, Johnston draws on her experiences in other places around the world to bring a rich cultural experience to the story.
The play was written by Johnston, but is being directed by theatre department associate professor Adam Houghton.
“The really cool thing about this show was that Kaarin would come to rehearsals and help us figure out lines or give us some insight on how she envisioned the character,” sophomore Amanda Himebaugh, who plays Mee-Maw and the Italian Christmas character La Befana, said. “Working with Kaarin requires you to bring your %u2018A’ game and creativity, but if you bring both you will get a great end product.”
The fact that the play was written by a faculty member and is a world premiere brings a different quality to these performances. Johnston has a special insight into the play, and it holds great importance for her.
“I have lived with these middle-class characters for over 18 years, and I feel I know them very well,” Johnston said. “I know the house they live in, the food they like to eat, who is the peacemaker and who is grumpy.”
Himebaugh appreciated Johnston’s presence in the play.
“It feels really cool to be a part of a world premiere: how often can you say you’ve been a part of a world premiere of anything? Knowing that we are the first ones bringing these characters to life is a lot of pressure, but also allows a lot of creative freedom,” Himebaugh said.
The play teaches lessons on both diversity and respect.
“We must have compassion and learn empathy for others before we judge them, and family is more than blood relatives; we are all a part of God’s family and try to forgive, help and tell the truth to those we love,” Himebaugh said.
The play is certain to be a rewarding experience, and is full of lessons for anyone in the audience.
If you are interested in seeing “The Christmas House,” it will play in the BAC Gorecki Family Theatre Thursdays and Fridays at 7 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm Nov. 10 through Nov. 19. The play costs $8 with a student ID. If you still need a reason to go, you can also earn an FAE credit by attending. So get a little Christmas spirit and see the world premiere of “The Christmas House.”